Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DS)
DS-101 - Introduction to Patient Care and Sonography (2 cr)
This course offers a general overview and introduction to the profession of sonography and the role of the sonographer. Emphasis on Medical Terminology, ethical/legal aspects, written and verbal communication and professional issues relating to registry, accreditation, professional organization and the history of the profession are discussed.
DS-101S - Introduction to Patient Care and Sonography-Supplement (1 cr)
This course offers a general overview and introduction to the profession of sonography and the role of the sonographer. Emphasis on Medical Terminology, ethical/legal aspects, written and verbal communication and professional issues relating to registry, accreditation, professional organization and the history of the profession are discussed.
DS-102 - Introduction to Patient Care and Sonography (3 cr)
This foundational course provides a comprehensive introduction to Diagnostic Medical Sonography and the essential role of sonographers in healthcare. Students will explore fundamental medical terminology, professional ethics, and legal considerations crucial for practicing sonographers. The course covers effective medical communication strategies, both written and verbal, while examining key professional aspects including certification requirements, accreditation standards, and professional organizations. Students will learn about the historical development of sonography and its evolution as a diagnostic imaging modality. Additionally, the course introduces basic sonographic physics principles, emphasizing proper infection control protocols and equipment maintenance procedures. This 3-credit course serves as a cornerstone for understanding the professional expectations, technical foundations, and patient care responsibilities in the field of diagnostic medical sonography.
DS-105 - Principles of Imaging (3 cr)
This course introduces students to basic principles of medical imaging and equipment design and function. This course focuses on the physics, theories, application and instrumentation of imaging equipment. Imaging of body areas are discussed in relation to their anatomical composition, pathology, and physiology. Students identify imaging artifacts and determine the adjustment required for correction. Special Imaging Modalities are introduced.
Prerequisite: MA-115
Corequisite: MA-115
DS-125 - Sonography Physics & Instrumentation (4 cr)
This essential 4-credit course provides students with a comprehensive study of ultrasound physics and its clinical applications in medical sonography. Students will master the fundamental principles necessary for performing ultrasound examinations, including proper transducer manipulation and maintenance, optimizing pulse-echo imaging, and advanced Doppler techniques. Through integrated lecture and laboratory experiences, students will develop proficiency in operating equipment while gaining an understanding of the theoretical concepts that govern ultrasound technology. The course emphasizes clinical safety protocols and quality assurance procedures crucial for patient care, optimal diagnostic imaging, and healthy sonographer practices. This course serves as critical preparation for the sonographic physics registry examination, which students must successfully complete before advancing to DS-251.
Designation: Natural Science
DS-160 - Vascular Sonography I (3 cr)
This introductory 3-credit course provides students with fundamental knowledge and hands-on experience in vascular sonography. Students will develop practical skills in performing lower extremity venous examinations, carotid arterial studies, and abdominal vascular assessments. The course emphasizes mastery of Doppler technology, including the optimization of machine settings, interpretation of Doppler signals, and analysis of waveform patterns. Through comprehensive study and practical application, students will learn to evaluate major vascular structures, including the aorta and its primary branches, the inferior vena cava, the portal and hepatic vessels, and renal vasculature. Special attention is given to proper imaging techniques, adherence to protocols, and accurate documentation of vascular findings.
DS-161 - Vascular Sonography II (3 cr)
This course advances students' knowledge of peripheral vascular sonography, with a particular emphasis on evaluating the arterial-venous system. Students will develop a comprehensive understanding of normal and pathological conditions affecting the arteries and veins of the upper and lower extremities. Through integrated lecture and laboratory sessions, students learn to master scanning protocols for peripheral arterial systems and apply diagnostic criteria for various vascular diseases. The course provides hands-on experience with multiple diagnostic modalities, including duplex ultrasound, plethysmography (PVR), segmental blood pressure measurements (SBP), and Direct Doppler waveform analysis. Students will explore various therapeutic interventions for peripheral arterial disease (PAD) while developing proficiency in vascular scanning techniques in the ultrasound laboratory.
DS-170 - Abdominal Sonography I (3 cr)
This foundational 3-credit course integrates classroom instruction with laboratory practice to provide comprehensive training in abdominal sonography. Students will explore advanced abdominal anatomy, sonographic imaging techniques, and the relationship between pathology and pathophysiology in the field of diagnostic medical sonography. The course covers essential topics, including embryological development, detailed anatomy of organ systems, and standardized scanning protocols for abdominal and non-cardiac chest examinations. Students will learn to recognize normal anatomical variants, congenital anomalies, and pathological conditions through hands-on scanning experience. Emphasis is placed on understanding patient history, proper examination techniques, Doppler and color flow characteristics, and correlating sonographic findings with those of other imaging modalities. The course provides students with the fundamental knowledge needed to perform and interpret abdominal sonographic examinations.
Corequisite: DS-125
DS-171 - Abdominal Sonography II (3 cr)
This course comprises an advanced study of human anatomy in the transverse, longitudinal, and coronal planes with emphasis on the organs in the abdomen and pelvic cavity to include technical information and scanning techniques. Included is an extensive study of the disease process and physiological alterations, sonographic methods to visualize adult and pediatric abdomens, normal variants, congenital anomalies, physiology, and related laboratory tests. Lecture and lab.
DS-180 - OB/GYN Sonography I (3 cr)
This foundational 3-credit course introduces students to sonographic evaluation of the female reproductive and urogenital systems. Students will develop comprehensive knowledge of normal and abnormal gynecological anatomy and physiology, with special emphasis on gynecological assessment. Through integrated lecture and laboratory sessions, students will master proper instrumentation settings, patient preparation protocols, and scanning techniques essential for gynecological and first-trimester obstetric examinations. The course covers recognition of normal anatomical structures, common pathological conditions, and sonographic appearances of early pregnancy development. Students will learn to perform systematic examinations while developing skills in identifying and documenting both normal and abnormal sonographic findings.
Corequisite: DS-125
DS-181 - OB/GYN Sonography II (3 cr)
This advanced 3-credit course builds upon the foundations established in DS-180, focusing on comprehensive obstetrical sonography during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. Students will develop expertise in evaluating fetal development, assessing maternal complications, and recognizing pregnancy-related pathologies through ultrasound imaging. The course emphasizes critical analysis of laboratory values, understanding complex pathophysiological processes, and developing differential diagnostic skills. Through integrated lecture and laboratory experiences, students will master advanced scanning techniques for detailed fetal anatomical surveys, biometric measurements, and assessment of fetal well-being. Special attention is given to identifying and documenting pregnancy complications, fetal anomalies, and maternal conditions that impact pregnancy outcomes.
DS-190 - Echocardiography I (3 cr)
This foundational 3-credit course introduces students to the principles and practices of cardiac ultrasound imaging. Students will master the fundamentals of two-dimensional, M-mode, and Doppler echocardiography, with particular emphasis on evaluating left ventricular systolic function. The course provides comprehensive coverage of cardiac pathologies, including congestive heart failure, pericardial diseases, cardiomyopathies, and cardiac masses, emphasizing the correlation between echocardiographic findings and clinical treatment protocols. Through integrated laboratory sessions, students will develop proficiency in basic scanning protocols, proper patient positioning, and ergonomically correct scanning techniques. Students learn to identify and utilize various cardiac imaging windows and planes while developing skills in M-mode and Doppler applications.
Prerequisite: DS-125
DS-191 - Echocardiography II (3 cr)
This advanced 3-credit course expands upon the foundations established in DS-190, focusing on the comprehensive evaluation of cardiac function and acquired cardiac diseases through non-invasive techniques. Students will develop advanced proficiency in performing and interpreting M-mode, 2-dimensional, and Doppler echocardiographic studies. The course offers a comprehensive examination of various cardiac pathologies, including valvular heart disease, cardiomyopathies, systemic and pulmonary hypertensive heart disease, cardiac transplantation, cardiac masses, aortic diseases, and pericardial conditions. Through intensive laboratory experience, students will refine their technical skills in obtaining high-quality diagnostic images while learning to recognize and document complex cardiac abnormalities. Emphasis is placed on correlating echocardiographic findings with clinical presentations and developing diagnostic accuracy.
DS-240 - Clinical Internship I (2 cr)
The clinical Internship supplements the student's experience in the classroom and allows them to utilize their skills and techniques at an approved medical facility. This course permits the student to apply theory while acquiring real world knowledge of the medical sonography field. The intern is assigned to a clinical education center to practice and perfect sonography skills at the discretion of the Director of the program. Students are supervised by qualified sonographers and directed in specific experiences designed to meet the objectives for the semester. This course incorporates instruction for work ethics traits with clinical competence. Students are evaluated by the Clinical Coordinator from the College and the supervisor of the facility where they are placed. A total of 200 hours is required.
Designation: Field Experience
DS-241 - Clinical Internship II (3 cr)
The clinical Internship supplements the student's experience in the classroom and allows them to utilize their skills and techniques at an approved medical facility. This course permits students to apply theory while acquiring real world knowledge of the medical sonography field. The intern is assigned to a clinical education center to practice and perfect sonography skills at the discretion of the Director of the program. Students are supervised by qualified sonographers and directed in specific experiences designed to meet the objectives for the semester. This course incorporates instruction for work ethics traits with clinical competence. Students are evaluated by the Clinical Coordinator from the College and the supervisor of the facility where they are placed. A total of 200 hours is required.
Prerequisite: DS-240
Designation: Field Experience
DS-242 - Clinical Internship III (3 cr)
The clinical Internship supplements the student's experience in the classroom and allows them to utilize their skills and techniques at an approved medical facility. This course permits the student to apply theory while acquiring real world knowledge of the medical sonography field. The intern is assigned to a clinical education center to practice and perfect sonography skills at the discretion of the Director of the program. Students are supervised by qualified sonographers and directed in specific experiences designed to meet the objectives for the semester. This course incorporates instruction for work ethics traits with clinical competence. Students are evaluated by the Clinical Coordinator from the College and the supervisor of the facility where they are placed. A total of 200 hours is required.
Prerequisite: DS-241
Designation: Field Experience
DS-250 - Clinical Externship I (7 cr)
This intensive clinical laboratory practicum provides students with hands-on scanning experience in a simulated clinical environment to prepare for off-campus clinical rotations. Students participate in scanning sessions three days per week for 8.5 hours per day on campus, totaling 320 hours, with hours documented through Trajecsys. The course emphasizes professional development through instruction in daily sonographer operations, professionalism, registry examination preparation, and proper documentation via mandatory technical sheets and case logs. Students must complete various certifications, including CPR, first aid, Trophon operation, and the ARDMS SPI. Additionally, students must obtain clearance for off-campus clinical rotations through a background check, drug screening, N95 mask fit testing, and medical clearance processes, as assigned. Professional development components include activities such as creating a resume and a cover letter. Student performance is evaluated through midpoint and endpoint professionalism evaluations and weekly scanning proficiency assessments culminating in a final pass/fail scanning skills evaluation. Successful completion of all proficiency requirements is mandatory for progression to Clinical II (DS 251).
Designation: Field Experience
DS-251 - Clinical Externship II (7 cr)
Building upon the foundational skills developed in DS 250, this off-campus clinical internship places students at approved medical facilities where they apply classroom theory and scanning techniques to real-world patient care under the supervision of clinical site preceptors. Students utilize the professional skills, documentation practices, and scanning techniques mastered in DS 250 while working with actual patients. Students complete 300 clinical hours while performing required mandatory diagnostic medical sonography competencies under the preceptorship of credentialed sonographers, as mandated by the national credentialing organizations. In addition to scanning hours, students will also complete 20 hours of required coursework, such as case logs and registry preparation activities. Performance is evaluated by both clinical site preceptors and the College's Clinical Coordinator. Important Disclosure: Clinical placements, including site location and schedule, are assigned by the program. Students who decline their assigned placement must acknowledge in writing that: 1) alternative placements are not guaranteed that semester, 2) program completion may be delayed, and 3) additional student financial obligations may be incurred.
Prerequisite: DS-250
Designation: Field Experience
DS-252 - Clinical Externship III (7 cr)
Continuing the clinical sequence from DS 251, this advanced off-campus clinical internship places students at approved medical facilities, where they further develop their scanning techniques and diagnostic skills through real-world patient care under the supervision of clinical site preceptors. Students demonstrate increasing levels of competency and independence while performing required mandatory diagnostic medical sonography competencies under the preceptorship of credentialed sonographers, as mandated by the national credentialing organizations. Students complete 300 clinical hours of scanning, with an additional 20 hours dedicated to advanced coursework, including case logs and final registry preparation activities. Performance is evaluated by both clinical site preceptors and the College's Clinical Coordinator. Students must successfully complete and submit all assigned scanning competencies, hours, evaluations, and clinical coursework as mandated by program requirements to be cleared for graduation. Important Disclosure: Clinical placements, including site location and schedule, are assigned by the program. Students who decline their assigned placement must acknowledge in writing that: 1) alternative placements are not guaranteed that semester, 2) program completion may be delayed, and 3) additional student financial obligations may be incurred.
Prerequisite: DS-251
Designation: Field Experience